The copper IUD (ParaGard) contains no hormones and prevents pregnancy for up to 10 years. ParaGard is an intrauterine device (IUD) that can provide long-term birth control (contraception). It's sometimes referred to as a nonhormonal IUD option.
Mirena offers effective, long-term contraception. It can be used in premenopausal women of all ages, including teenagers.
“The studies basically show that there's less than 5% [of IUD users] who show any weight gain, and it's generally a little water weight.” Even with hormonal IUDs like Mirena, which emit progestin, so little of the hormone gets into your system that any effects on weight are minor, he says.
The Paragard IUD doesn't have hormones. It's wrapped in a tiny bit of copper, and it protects you from pregnancy for up to 12 years. The Mirena, Liletta, and Skyla IUDs use the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy.
Mirena is a hormonal form of birth control. Some common side effects of the Mirena IUD include unscheduled (spotty) bleeding, missed periods, and abdominal or pelvic pain. Less common side effects include breast pain, benign ovarian cysts and, in rare cases, include severe pelvic pain or infections.
Mirena lawsuits accuse Bayer Pharmaceuticals of hiding side effects and making a defective intrauterine device (IUD). Women are blaming the birth control device for causing organ perforation and pressure buildup in the skull. The company offered to settle some perforation lawsuits for $12.2 million.
Since the device is prescribed to stay put for five years, the woman's body stops producing progesterone. According to Healthline, this happens because the woman's body becomes dependent on the IUD. When the IUD is removed suddenly, the body lags in the natural production of progesterone.
As Mirena is a hormonal IUD, there are chances of weight gain. This weight gain is mainly due to the hormone progestin that causes water retention and bloating. Some lifestyle changes may be necessary to avoid weight gain, such as exercising regularly, eating healthy, and other weight loss methods.
IUDs are safe and effective methods of birth control. There is no strong evidence that shows either type of IUD causes weight gain. If you experience weight gain while using an IUD, it is more likely to be part of the natural process of aging. There are many different forms of birth control to choose from.
The bottom line
For most people, using birth control long term is safe. Serious complications don't usually occur. And, birth control doesn't lower your chance of getting pregnant after you stop taking it. In rare instances, birth control may cause blood clots and certain types of cancer.
In most cases, if a hormonal IUD does cause you to gain weight, it's not an increase in body fat. Rather, progestin, the hormone used in the IUD, can make your body hold onto more water and cause bloating, much like what you'd experience during a menstrual cycle.
The most common Mirena IUD side effects include changes to uterine bleeding, abdominal pain, and headaches. Low mood and depression are uncommon but possible.
Mirena is very low maintenance; you don't have to remember to do anything for it to function. And it is entirely and almost instantly reversible when you decide to get pregnant. For some, one con is that a physician, OB-GYN or midwife must insert it. You may experience some cramping immediately after insertion.
The Mirena coil, a hormonal IUD, has no effect on when menopause begins. This type of coil may help reduce heavy bleeding as the body prepares for menopause, but it will not reduce other symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.
How much does it cost to get an IUD? Mirena is covered for most women in Australia on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), and usually costs around $40. It is cheaper if you have a Health Care Card – about $7. If you don't have a Medicare card, they may cost up to $250 on private prescription.
Mirena can remain in the uterus for up to 8 years to prevent pregnancy. If you are also using Mirena to treat heavy periods, you will need a new one after 5 years.
Disadvantages: Your periods may become heavier, longer or more painful, though this may improve after a few months. It does not protect against STIs, so you may need to use condoms as well. If you get an infection when you have an IUD fitted, it could lead to a pelvic infection if not treated.
People usually feel some cramping or pain when they're getting their IUD placed. The pain can be worse for some, but luckily it only lasts for a minute or two. Some doctors tell you to take pain medicine before you get the IUD to help prevent cramps.
About 2 out of 10 women stop having periods after 1 year of Mirena use. If you have any concerns that you may be pregnant while using Mirena, do a urine pregnancy test and call your healthcare provider. If you do not have a period for 6 weeks during Mirena use, call your healthcare provider.
For a few days afterwards you may have cramps and bleeding like a heavy period. You may even have the occasional cramp or odd sensation during the first few weeks while the IUD “settles in”. Do not put anything in the vagina for three days after insertion, to minimise the risk of uterine infection.
Removal is usually less painful and quicker than inserting Mirena. It can be done at any time during your menstrual cycle. You may experience some cramping as the device is removed, but it should only last for a few moments. During Mirena removal, a doctor uses forceps to tug on the IUD strings.
While the Mirena device remained implanted and working, the woman's body ceased producing progesterone naturally. Without progesterone, the woman would develop a significant hormone imbalance. This imbalance, and its associated symptoms, would remain until her body resumed production of progesterone naturally.